Health officials in New York City are the latest in the US to warn against Botox injections from non-medical providers.
In a rack Released Friday, the New York City Health Department pointed to new reports of botulism-like illnesses due to botulinum toxin injections, commonly called Botox. Botulism is a rare but serious disease caused by the same poison found in the injections that attacks the body’s nerve cells, which in turn causes muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties and sometimes death.
The warning came after three New Yorkers received the injections in their face, neck, upper back or armpits between February 8 and 28. Various symptoms began days to weeks after their procedure and ranged from double vision, drooping eyelids, dry mouth and difficulty swallowing to hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath and difficulty raising the arms.
All three people went to the emergency room and two were hospitalized, with one person admitted to intensive care. Health officials announced that all three cases are under investigation. At least one of these involved administration by an unlicensed person.
“While it may seem simple, botulinum toxin injections are a medical procedure,” said New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, adding: “New Yorkers should not receive injections from friends or at parties, nor should they not having to get injections from friends or at parties. from non-medical professionals, such as beauticians or beauticians.
“A price that is too good to be true, or if a provider does not explain the risks and side effects of the procedure, are clear warning signs that the products or services may not be legitimate and could pose a risk to your health,” Vasan continued .
A person is more likely to develop a botulism-like illness or other adverse side effects from the injections if the product is counterfeit or unlicensed, or if the product – even if approved by the Food and Drug Administration – is misused administered. , Friday’s statement warned.
So does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement on Friday, announcing that it is working with multiple state and local health departments, as well as the FDA, to investigate nationwide reports of adverse reactions following injections.
It reported that as of April 18, 22 people from 11 states reported adverse reactions after receiving the shots from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas.
Those states include California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.